NBA Draft: This NCAA champion could be a trade-up target for Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons: Jared Butler does have some limitations both ends of the court
Jared Butler is not the most athletically gifted guard in this year’s draft class. In fact, he is not a very athletic guard at all. Of course, that is one of the reasons he would be available late in the first round.
This lack of athleticism could make it difficult for Butler to beat defenders off the dribble at the next level. While the guard has excellent handles, his lack of explosiveness off the dribble would make it harder for him to get by defenders at the NBA level. Additionally, his smaller stature combined with his lack of athleticism could make it difficult for him to finish at the rim against bigger defenders.
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Butler would still be well utilized coming off screens and spotting up from three, but his lack of athleticism limits the other areas he can attack on the offensive end.
On the defensive end of the court, Butler’s undersized frame might limit how useful he is as a defender.
Undersized guards can still be great defenders. Bruce Brown stands at 6-4 and is one of the best defenders on the Brooklyn Nets as well as during his time with the Pistons. Brown has made a name for himself in the NBA as one of the league’s top on-ball defenders. But what separates Brown from Butler is strength and length.
Brown was at times playing the center position for the Nets during the 2020-21 season. The former Piston has a 6-9 wingspan and the strength necessary to hold his own against larger players.
Butler has a 6-4 wingspan and needs to put on more muscle with just a 195-pound frame. Butler lacks the length necessary to be a defender who can be effective when forced to switch on screens and in mismatches.
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The 20-year-old will be able to match up well against other guards around the league who are of similar height but, if he is switched onto a small forward or a big, he will have a very hard time trying to hold his own, especially in post-up situations. But his new friend Cade might be able to help out.